Work in progress. Transcatheter thermal venous occlusion: A new technique

Diatrizoate (76%) contrast agent heated to 100°C was injected into the veins of dogs and one human volunteer for the nonsurgical occlusion of the vessels. Follow-up venograms and histologic examinations, at intervals varying from one day to four weeks later, revealed thrombosis of the injected veins in all animals. Thrombosis occurred one to five days after injection of contrast agent. The authors conclude that hot contrast medium is a safe and convenient agent for inducing thrombosis. It is much easier to use than mechanical devices, tissue glues, and plastics, which involve complex procedures and specialized equipment. In contrast to other sclerosing agents, hot contrast agent is rapidly converted into a nonsclerosing agent by cooling. The new technique allows a more controlled thermal injury to the vascular wall and is under fluoroscopic control.